Leveling the Field: Remaining Competitive in an Evolving Web Marketplace

Version changes. Upgrades. Migrations. The world of web is constantly evolving. Almost as quickly as my wardrobe in fall!

Case in point, some topics of interest:

• To HTML5 or not to HTML5?
• Is the web dead? Are applications taking over?
• Cross browser compatibility?
• Flash and iPhone? GASP
• The future of Flash?

One topic that is always mutually agreeable is the concept of keeping up with emerging trends and adding to your repertoire. You have to be better, faster, stronger (insert Kanye West) than your competition and sometimes as an individual keeping up with the Jones’ can be a monumental feat. The cost alone can sometimes be crippling.

HOWEVER – there are ways to put a little shine on your skills, a little polish to your portfolio, a little bedazzle to your business. Ok – maybe I’ve gone a touch overboard with the bedazzle but you get the jist.

We’ve come across 3 tools that can help you add to your arsenal without signing up for a coding class (although I’m not discouraging ongoing education):

1. PadPressed:
Make your Wordpress site an iPad app
http://padpressed.com/

2. SenchaTouch:
The First HTML5 Mobile App Framework
Sencha Touch allows you to develop web apps that look and feel native on Apple iOS and Google Android touchscreen devices.
http://www.sencha.com/products/touch/

3. Flash Catalyst:
Adobe® Flash® Catalyst™ CS5 software is an approachable new interaction design tool. Transform Adobe Photoshop®, Illustrator®, and Fireworks® artwork into expressive, fully interactive projects without writing code, and leverage the reach and consistency of the Adobe Flash Platform.
http://www.adobe.com/products/flashcatalyst/

The Keg Has Run Dry???? Tips for Job Hunting After College

This is a true story inspired by real events.....

I was talking to my younger sister last night. She just recently graduated with her Master's in English and she's been pounding the "pavement" - aka job boards - looking for work as a Teacher, Substitute Teacher, TA, etc. at the university level. Her method has been looking for openings, and responding in kind with an application or resume.

I posed the following questions to her:

· "Have you asked any of your professors if they know of any educators in your area they can introduce you to?" Her response, "No."

· "Are there any groups in your area that meet in your field that you can join?" Her response, "No."

· "Have you asked to set up a meeting at any of the schools you want to work at to see if they need volunteer help on exams, grading papers, writing workshops, etc?" Her response, "Not yet."

Today - I went to find her on LinkedIn and guess what? SHE DOES NOT HAVE A PROFILE. GASP!!! (To my sister - YES - I'm using you as an example - you can stay mad for approximately 10 days)

So pull up a seat. This is "I've Just Graduated Now What? - 101"

1. Use any and all resources available to you. LinkedIn, JobMagic on Facebook, social meet-up groups, people who may know people in your field, sisters who are well versed at resume revision. J HINT HINT

2. Get out of the house and go to networking events. Join a young professionals association! They always have GREAT events and tons of potential.

3. When you are at an event or stopping by a potential employer offering volunteer services, keep your options open and listen for cues. If the potential employer says, "We don't really need help in THAT area" that is your cue to say "Well what areas do you see a potential need?" USE EVERY MOMENT! Offer up any way that you can add value but make sure you say, "I would love to help with your career workshops. I am so impressed with this company any opportunity to be associated with and potentially considered for future openings - count me in!"

4. Get more than one opinion on your resume and cover letter. It is VERY hard to find typos on your own. Yes I know you majored in English - just try. J

5. Be flexible. I know you just graduated from college and feel that a role in management is your next step - but unfortunately, the companies you are talking to may not feel the same. They may simply not agree that your level meets their needs. Examine any and all options available. Education and experience are very different.

6. In a tough market, you may have to take a position that is not your ideal role, but is a stepping stone. Look into it. The path may lead directly to your goal.

7. Practice interviewing with friends. Sound corny? How many interviews have you been on? How often do you say "like" or "ummm?" You'd be surprised.

8. Do you have appropriate interview attire?

9. Do you have copies of your resume printed nicely?

10. Have you changed your voicemail so that the message sounds professional? I LOVE the Black Eyed Peas ring tone but a hiring manager may not.

11. Have you set your privacy controls on Facebook? Remember that over 70% of employers will look into your online presence.

12. You take out your piercings and cover your tattoos for an interview right?

13. Have you changed your email address from: awesomebeerdrinker@ISP.com?



So there you have it. You may not land your dream job right out of the gate, but with these 13 tips, you will certainly be going in the right direction.

The Proof is in the Portfolio

Knock knock. It’s a lovely Saturday afternoon and you wonder – who could possibly be interrupting your bliss (including a large turkey sandwich and reruns of your favorite 80’s sitcom – insert for me – Perfect Strangers). You open the door with your speech prepared for the following:
• Candy/Girl Scout cookie sales – you may budge if they have Carmel deLites.
• Religious group passing out literature – always a fun bunch.
• Pesky siding salesman – even though your house is made of bricks
• WAIT – it could be your Mary Kay order. That would be awesome.
• Free pizza – you wouldn’t be terribly upset if a free pizza showed up.

As you open the door, you find two gentleman representing ABC Landscaping and they have in tow – hedge clippers, a lawnmower, and a bag of mulch. They look legit. And then you ask – “I do need some help with my landscaping – might you have some photographs of past work with you so I can gauge your design style and past successes?” They blink, look at you dumbfounded, point to the hedge clippers and say “We are very good.” The door closes and your lawn continues to be plagued by dandelions.

Why? PROOF. We all need proof. We need to believe you are a champion landscaper by showing us the amazing lawn work you did for Johnny Depp – yes I know Johnny Depp doesn’t live in my neighborhood but I can dream.

The point you ask? Time and time again I have this conversation with talent and the importance of proof. Being in the business of Interactive Design and Development – the proof is in the portfolio.

Here are my 8 tips to help your job search simply by maintaining a stellar portfolio:

• Spy. You heard me. Check out your competition. In this world of Internet accessibility, check out who you are going up against in this marketplace. Look at their portfolios… Do you walk away feeling wowed/jealous? What can you incorporate in yours? Creative hotlist, Krop, Behance, Coroflot, etc. Great places to start.

• I know you’ve been working and your portfolio is three years old because you haven’t had time to update it – but let’s be honest…you need to find time to update it. Your portfolio is one of the few things in life that SHOULD be kept up to date. (Apart from your Netflix subscription and dentist appointments).

• BYOBM – Be your own best marketer. Does your portfolio accurately display the type of work you can do and have done? As much as hiring managers love hearing “I know it’s not in my portfolio but I did some really cool work for XYZ….” Put in those pieces that you are excited about. Your excitement will come through.

• Stay away from portfolio styles that can exhaust a hiring manager. Case in point, I often have to spend several minutes trying to figure out how to navigate a portfolio before realizing that … OH! I have to click on those TINY little thumbnails at the bottom to view each piece. If a hiring manager is going to become fatigued or feel stressed by your portfolio, it’s truly not helping you.

o Simplicity is key
o Large graphics grab attention
o Easy navigation – are the arrows easy to find?
o Basic descriptions of your contribution

• So you designed an AMAZING web 2.0 site and you’re applying to a web 2.0 role that is PERFECT considering that most recent job you completed? If that’s the case, the manager should be able to find said work in 2 seconds. If they have to hunt for it, they won’t. I repeat – make it easy for them.
• I realize that it’s much easier to use your portfolio for multiple purposes including advertising your best friend’s photography business, your interests in hiking including vacation photos, your amazing progress in brewing your own beer, dating info, etc. But for the sake of argument – just go with me on this one. Less is more in terms of personal information. And please please please – no pictures of you sunning yourself on vacation. You laugh but it happens.

• Keep in mind your web portfolio is still a website – it must function as such. Think of what frustrates you about certain sites and evaluate whether or not the usability/functionality of your portfolio is up to snuff.

• And finally……the links should work. ☺ That’s it. They should work. Sound like a no-brainer? Seriously – check it. In multiple browsers. You’d be surprised.

To wrap up, please keep in mind that your portfolio is a reflection of you, your skill level, and your overall work (aka – what YOU offer) so whatever you create and send should truly be stellar, impressive, updated, comprehensive, and COMPLETE. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression………. Unless, the hiring manager has short term amnesia and let’s face it – this isn’t Falcon Crest (80’s primetime soap featuring Lorenzo Lamas – Google it – it was INCREDIBLE).